GPs sceptical on effectiveness of the fit note

Family doctors are yet to be convinced about the effectiveness of the new sick note. Half of GPs say the new fit note system has not enhanced their ability to help people keep their job during an illness. The findings, in new opinion research conducted by ComRes on behalf of Legal & General show that GPs are not yet convinced of the effectiveness of the fit note system. The government introduced the fit note to replace the sick note, designed to assess what people can do rather than what they cannot.

Diane Buckley of Legal & General says, “While progress is being made there is still some way to go in helping people to get the right support in place at work when they are ill. Our experience suggests that many employers also lack the specialist expertise to interpret the implications of a fit note for an employee’s return to work. What is important is for employers, doctors and employees to work together to make sure that tailored, individual support is delivered quickly”.